JAMES PERCH wants out of Newcastle United after just 12 months on Tyneside.

The versatile defender has changed agents in a bid to push through a move away from the North East – and give himself a shot at first- team football next season.

The Sunday Sun understands Perch is now being represented by Paul Stretford’s Proactive Sports group and has asked them to try and find him a new club.

Perch became fed up of playing no first-team football and made just one appearance in the last three months of the season – as a substitute in the 4-1 defeat of Wolves.

Now he is seeking a Championship move to get him back in the groove.

Nothing is imminent and he will return for pre-season, but United would not stand in Perch’s way after a disappointing first season in the Premier League.

The former Nottingham Forest man was signed by Chris Hughton on the recommendation of assistant boss Colin Calderwood, but he endured a tough baptism in the top flight.

Although willing and hard-working, he started just nine games and picked up six yellow cards before Danny Simpson replaced him.

He was booed by the St James’ Park fans after an error-prone effort against Wigan in November.

Meanwhile, the much-improved Simpson has still not signed the five-year contract mentioned back in May.

Pardew gave a ringing endorsement of the right-back to owner Mike Ashley – saying he believes the former Manchester United man can play for England.

That was understood to have swayed the issue in Simpson’s favour.

However, no deal has been done yet and Alex McLeish – a long-term admirer – is keen to take him to Aston Villa if Newcastle are willing to sell. Villa need a right-back after England man Kyle Walker went back to Spurs.